Thomas Karimu Baio is the current Mayor of Kenema City Council, a city with a population of over 255,110 inhabitants. He is the first mayor in the history of Sierra Leone’s local councils—specifically in Kenema City—to have been elected and re-elected, thereby serving two consecutive terms, amounting to ten years since the re-establishment of local councils in the country.

Before entering mainstream politics, Mayor Baio built a diverse professional career. He served as a military personnel for more than ten years, gaining discipline and leadership skills. Afterward, he transitioned into the education sector, teaching at Ahmadiyya Muslim Secondary School in Kissy, Freetown, Gboijebu in Bo, and later in Kenema for 18 years. His dedication to education and community service eventually led him to become a trade unionist, where he worked actively in the Kenema District, championing the welfare and rights of workers.

His political journey was inspired largely by his growing popularity and influence within the trade union. This grassroots
support propelled him into politics, where he has since built a reputation as a socially engaging, development-oriented, and transformational leader.

On June 23^rd, 2018, Mr. Thomas Karimu Baio was elected as Mayor, Kenema City and reelected in 2023.

Academically, Mayor Baio holds a Bachelor of Arts in Education (BA.Ed) and a Master’s in Public Administration (MPA). These qualifications have strengthened his governance capacity and deepened his understanding of public service management.